JAN'S JOURNAL

TWO MORE.......

2012-01-28T23:03:00.003+01:00

Two more assembled images from my Art Nouveau Cricut cartridges. Moth and butterfly. Still haven't decided what to do with them yet!

ART NOUVEAU CRICUT CARTRIDGE

2012-01-26T16:12:00.004+01:00

I was lucky enough to be given the new Art Nouveau Cricut cartridge for Christmas and, although having a little play with it during the holidays, I haven't as yet had time to really sit down with it. There are some really beautiful images on the cartridge and this is one of the butterflies which I have cut and layered up (there are six layers in all). I haven't done anything further with it yet.... it may well go onto a card or box, but I am looking forward to making some more.

GLUE BOOK

2012-01-20T14:06:00.004+01:00

At last I've got around to doing something constructive following the Christmas/New Year break. Admittedly I was away until 10th January, but that is no excuse.... and I HAVE been knitting (quite a lot in fact!), so I've not exactly been idle. However, I have now started a little (6 x 6 inch) glue book, using Khadi* paper, together with some of my old family photos. A glue book is basically a collaged book but I have put a little slant on it by brushing each page with beeswax which, although a nightmare to photograph, gives more of a vintage look to the finished page.

The first page shows my great aunt Queenie when she was 16 (in 1918) and the next two pages are of my mum as a baby, young child and at 17 years old.

*Khadi paper is handmade paper from India, made from recycled cotton rag.

HAPPY CHRISTMAS

2011-12-23T18:33:00.005+01:00

father christmas pictures

May Father Christmas fill your stockings with many crafty things, may you share treasured hours with friends and family and may the new year bring you health and happiness.
Thank you for your friendship, support and inspiration which is, as always, so much appreciated.
Jan x

ALL DONE!

2011-12-20T16:54:00.003+01:00

CUSHION with printed image and embellishments.

ALTERED MIRROR

Last things finished, apart from some odds and ends.

FINISHED!

2011-12-06T18:00:00.001+01:00

LAST OF THE BOXES!

JUST FINISHED>>>>>

2011-12-02T19:36:00.003+01:00

Have just finished three boxes ordered by my friend for work colleagues and she has now asked for another two.... so no pressure then!!

ATC

2011-11-21T22:01:00.004+01:00

I can't remember the last time I made an atc but this evening I came across a little French blog (Carte a Jouer)which had set a project t0 make an atc using a 'Yo-Yo Maker' (which I've never used but have had sitting in a drawer for ages!)and the title was La Vie en Rose. So I decided to have a play. The resultant yo-yo turned out a lot smaller that I had imagined it would but that was ok because it fitted on the atc. I did my usual 'collage' thing and sat the yo-yo rose in her hair. Fun and quick to do but don't know that I will be making any more yo-yo's!

VINTAGE FABRIC BOOKMARK

2011-11-12T12:59:00.003+01:00

Vintage fabric bookmark for the Art 'n Soul group swap. The criteria was that any materials could be used but the bookmark must be vintage and contain some lace. I digitally composed the layout on my MCS Steampunk programe, transfered it onto cotton fabric adding a little bit of distress ink round the edges and finally machined it onto canvas, tucking in a little bit of lace on the way. The little scissors and vintage ribbon finish it off.

Metal embossed notebook

2011-11-09T15:09:00.002+01:00

Embossed metal cover, treated with alcohol inks, and distressed vintage image

HOPEFULLY PRACTICE WILL MAKE PERFECT (EVENTUALLY!)

2011-11-07T11:13:00.003+01:00

I had a little play with my Serif Craft Artist Digi Kits yesterday and made this card for my son in law. All the elements are digital and I love the way the shadow effect makes them look as though they are superimposed. I printed my design out and matted and layered it before mounting it on the card The basics of the programme are very easy to use but there is so much that can be done that I am only on the very first rung of the ladder. I'll persevere and hopefully will improve....fun though in the meantime!

TODAY'S EFFORT!

2011-11-04T16:09:00.004+01:00

Not a lot to offer today. I've been to a 'knit and natter' group which is a new venture in a little tea-shop in the next village
.... something to keep the place going in the winter months when they wont be selling many cream teas to visitors. Hopefully it will be successful.

So, the sweet girl on this card is Winifred..... she is a Mo Manning digital image and I love her 'victorian look'.

VENETIAN MASK (don't look if you dont like masks!)

2011-11-03T11:19:00.006+01:00

Firstly, I hope no one is freaked out by these images because I know some people do not like masks. However, during my recent crafty caravan break with Maureen, she brought with her two plain white masks that she had purchased in Venice and the project was to decorate them.

This is my effort. I painted the whole mask in gold and decoupaged it with roses from a napkin and, on the forehead, a little image of Venice. Then I crackle glazed it all. The metal embellishments and swirls are cut and embossed on my Big Shot from art metal and then coloured with alcohol inks.

DAY 2 - SO FAR SO GOOD!

2011-10-28T12:22:00.006+02:00

Day 2 - and I'm being very disciplined with my 'one/two a day cards'!

I will lapse now until the middle of next week because we are off in the morning to meet up with Maureen in our respective caravans for a crafty break.... and also managing to fit in a few hours of the demo-day tomorrow at Sir Stampalot! Maureen has a project planned for us as well..... decorating full face masks that she bought back from her trip to Venice.... so we wont be lazing around doing nothing! In fact, I shall probably come back exhausted!

DISCIPLINE (whatever that is!)

2011-10-26T17:22:00.002+02:00

I have so many unfinished cards that I have started and for some reason abandoned for another project so I am trying to discipline myself to finish at least one every day. You notice I say 'trying' because this could take sone time as I have a whole large box full of bits and pieces! Anyway, I've made a start here with these two.

HERE COME THE GIRLS!

2011-10-25T14:52:00.004+02:00

I love these Sarah Kay girls.... they have such attitude! Coloured with Pro-Markers.

A TOUCH OF PURPLE

2011-10-19T18:37:00.002+02:00

Purple is one of my most favourite colours and here I've used up some scrap paper and two of my favourite images, coloured with Pro Markers, to make a couple of cards.

BOOK BOX (AT LAST!)

2011-10-17T14:46:00.004+02:00

Something I've been meaning to tackle for a long time and have at last got around to. Making the accordian pages was very fiddly, but I got there in the end!

PLAYING....

2011-10-01T09:13:00.003+02:00

I've not had a lot of time recently to test out the full capabilities of my Grand Caliber and Cricut machine... so have had a little play over the past couple of days. The first card I made was with the Cricut... just experimentation really but I was quite pleased with it. The second two are little 'Humphrey' images coloured with Pro Markers but I cut the scalloped card from my Grand Caliber, which is a very handy.

I've also cut some little banners from my Cricut, which I am pleased with and which I will show you when they are finished. So all in all, I feel less guilty now at having bought it!
We are off with our caravan tomorrow to the Isle of Wight for a week...... hoping the weather will last for at least a few more days. Haven't been there since I was a child so I am really looking forward to seeing what's changed over the past 60 years!!!!!

GOD BLESS YOU DAD XX

2011-08-28T17:27:00.005+02:00

My beautiful dad passed away last night, three weeks before his 100th birthday. This video is a tribute to him and his life-long love of nature.

Rest peacefully Dad.... I love you and carry your heart in mine xx

TRAVEL LOG/PHOTO BOARD BOOK

2011-08-24T08:49:00.003+02:00

Maureen and I both made a travel log/photo board book whilst away, using some of the beautiful Simple Stories papers.........and this is mine (shabby and Tim Holtzish!) There are many pages/tags and pockets and Maureen is saving hers for her October cruise. I shall probably use mine when we take our caravan to the Isle of Wight in October.......... not exactly a 'cruise' but we will at least be going on a ferry!

ALTERED CABINET

2011-08-23T13:28:00.005+02:00

I made this for Maureen and gave it to her as a belated birthday present whilst we were away.
The cabinet has been lined with papers, painted, crackle glazed and then distressed and the nameplate image (courtesy of the Graphics Fairy) gel transferred onto the front. Inside is a collection of vintage sewing ephemera. I have also used the Tim Holtz dress form die and made up a little dress from lace and pearl seeds to hang on top.

CRAFTY BREAK

2011-08-10T18:01:00.002+02:00

Off caravanning and crafting with Maureen tomorrow for a week. Not much left in my craft room.... it's all in the caravan! Good job we both have the most understanding husbands.

SIMILAR BUT DIFFERENT

2011-08-07T12:09:00.001+02:00

Three little cards collaged with P.W. images and sentiments cut from my NEW Cricut!

PLAYING WITH THE BEATLES

2011-08-01T18:10:00.003+02:00

Work in progress for an up and coming project. Involved paint, image transfer with gel medium, ModPodge, more paint, stamping and quite a bit of mess lol. Lovely!!

BOX NO.3

2011-08-01T12:00:00.003+02:00

Third box done ........the brief for this one was 'Cupcakes' lol. Little section inside for recipes and notes. Three down, three to go (with other bits in between no doubt! )

PEGS !

2011-07-29T20:21:00.005+02:00

My friend Jenny has only been crafting for a short while and joins me usually one evening a week so that we can play. Last night I showed her the napkin/collage techniques and we ended up each covering a 6" wooden peg. A bit fiddly, especially negotiating the metal springs, but this was my result and Jenny went home happy with hers!

I wondered what I would do with mine but decided it would be handy standing upright and displaying a favourite photo or card.

IN THE MEANTIME...

2011-07-27T12:37:00.004+02:00

Just before I start my third box, I've finished this mirror which is painted, stamped, collaged and crackleglazed. Difficult to photograph without getting the flash bouncing off the mirror or the glazing!

ALTERED BOX - AUDREY HEPBURN

2011-07-24T14:59:00.002+02:00

I have been asked to alter 6 boxes - all with a different theme. The request for this second one was Audrey Hepburn.

Many many years ago, my husband used to tell me that I looked like her! I'm flattered, but I think he had his rose-coloured specs on at the time and that was his fantasy lol. Maybe he should have gone to Specsavers!

Anyway..... back to the boxes. Two down, four to go!

ALTERED BOX

2011-07-21T13:06:00.002+02:00

Altered box using Stampotique images, Paper Wimsey flowers and shrink plastic charm.

TRAINS AND BOATS AND PLANES!

2011-07-15T13:59:00.002+02:00

I love planes..... and boats and train engines. Should have been a boy I suppose! I think the love of planes came from when I was a child and feeling thrilled at watching squadrons of planes come across the sky during the war. It gave me no fear, and can still remember the roar of their engines. Also my Dad, in his later working life, was involved in aviation radar and used to take me to the air shows. I must admit now though, I would rather watch than travel in them!

This card is using a painting by Kevin Walsh from the Joanna Sheen Nostalgia collection.

IT'S A GUY THING!

2011-07-09T11:33:00.003+02:00

I've made this for my lovely neighbour Harry, who will be 16 next week. I am confident he will have no problems in relating to the hat!!

Image from Joanna Sheen's Furry Friends.

Grunge frame background stamped and embossed.

VIDEO - AMAZING LONG-SUFFERING CAT!!

2011-07-07T20:51:00.001+02:00

'POSTCARD' CARD

2011-07-06T17:11:00.003+02:00

Watching this week's POTW on C&C with Tim Holtz Coredinations pack reminded me that I seldom use my folders these days. So I dug out my TH postcard one, had a little play and this was the result!

STEAMPUNK 'MAN' CARD

2011-06-22T20:58:00.003+02:00

I thought I'd try out my new set of steampunk stamps (three sets in all so there is a lot of choice.....43 stamps to be exact...large and small!). I fell in love with this train so this is my first effort. The background colour is a mixture of Stormy Sky and Peeled Paint distress inks and the train itself has been embossed, as has the locomotive number. The rest is straightforward stamping. I had a go at trying to stamp and then cut out the cogs but they were too fiddly. I have a feeling that I may now be COMPELLED to purchase the Tim Holts cogs and wheels die!

THEY WERE RIGHT!

2011-06-19T13:32:00.006+02:00

The weather forecasters were right.............................it rained yesterday and very heavily at times!! So our village fair was, for the second year, a washout! A few brave souls ventured out but I was very lucky because I had opted to have my table in the Pavilion so I was dry and when people came in to shelter or to get refreshments, I was THERE!!! So I didn't do too badly. My trusty friend Jenny was my sales manager for the day (!) and she did an absoloutely brilliant job at selling ..... which I'm totally no good at. SO, not many things to bring home and I got 2 orders for mirrors and collaged tissue boxes which was nice. Will I do it next year? Possibly...... with a view to starting early and with my fingers crossed once again for some sunshine!

Below are a couple of simple cards to start replenishing my stock.The second one makes use of two Tim Holtz dies and stamps.

BIRTHDAY BOX

2011-06-15T14:32:00.003+02:00

I've been so busy concentrating on my Fair stock that I almost forgot that it is my neighbours birthday on Friday. So I've quickly altered this little box today with crackle glaze and collage.

Hope she likes it..... at least I remembered in time! Phew!

MIRROR AND TISSUE BOXES

2011-06-14T21:29:00.003+02:00

For my Village Fair table. I have distressed, crackle glazed, stamped and collaged the mirror but have only made one because they take a while to do and I'm not sure how they will sell.

Two tissue box covers. The one on the right has been crackle glazed like the mirror.

All ready to go.................will possibly make one or two more cards or notelets. However, have just seen from the long range forecast that it is going to rain on Saturday and be very windy. Such a shame. It rained all day last year and was a total wash out........................we were hoping for better weather this year. Still, fingers crossed: it may miss us!!

SLIGHTLY DIFFERENT

2011-06-09T12:42:00.005+02:00

This 7 x 7" notebook is slightly different in that it is covered with vintage cotton towelling kindly shared with me by Maureen from her treasured stash. These cotton towels were used a lot in Edwardian times but I wonder how absorbent they were and how good for drying the hands. They certainly looked very pretty though on the towel rail by the wash basin. It's a lovely way to recycle

STILL ROLLING!

2011-06-08T14:36:00.004+02:00

Another 5 x 7" fabric covered journal/album. I shall make a box for this one too because they are nice boxed if someone wants to give them as a gift. I think the realisation that our village fair is only just over a week away has jolted my motivation and spurred me on to ensure that I have enough to fill my table! I've been making cards as well so even if things don't sell I shall have a good stock to put by!

KEVIN'S CELEBRATORY GIVEAWAY

2011-06-06T15:24:00.005+02:00

Regardless of this very generous 1st blogging year anniversary giveaway, if you've never visited Kevin's blog, do try to find the time to pop over and see the absoloutely fantastic cards that he creates
.... cards that have won him many awards, accolades and followers. You'll be impressed, I promise you.

ON A ROLL (as Maureen would say!)

2011-06-02T13:38:00.005+02:00

Another little 5 x 7" fabric covered photo album or journal. Having lost a bit of motivation recently, Maureen tells me that I seem to be on a roll again.... hopefully she's right!

This is now waiting for a little gift box to accompany it.

FABRIC COVERED PHOTO ALBUM IN GIFT BOX

2011-06-01T12:43:00.006+02:00

Another item for the village fair table. I dont know how this will sell but I may do another couple because they are enjoyable to make and it uses up some of my lace and fabric stash!

Measuring approx 5 x 7", this could also be used as a journal because the pages are plain and made of card.

ALTERED MINI NOTEBOOKS

2011-05-31T12:43:00.007+02:00

Still making little bits and pieces in readiness for our village fair at the end of this month. These are quite simple but they fill up the table and sell for a few pence!

ROSIE

2011-05-16T22:06:00.003+02:00

My beautiful 50 year old 'Princess'

A SWAP FOR ALL SEASONS - VINTAGE BROOCH SWAP (mine to Angela)

2011-05-05T09:43:00.003+02:00

Having shown you Angela's perfect gifts to me, these are what I made for her. This is a large book box that I collaged and painted to put everything in. This is THE BROOCH!

I made this vintage pillow with antique lace to mount the brooch on. Tucked in the pocket were some little flowers, a lavender sachet, a vintage lace doiley and some old buttons

Some Love in a Mist seeds in a pretty sachet together with a little daisy pin.

A vintage embroidered table mat and a lovely old Needlewoman magazine.

I LOVED this swap and had such an amazing partner in Angela. Thank you again Angela.

A SWAP FOR ALL SEASONS - VINTAGE BROOCH SWAP (from Angela to me)

2011-05-04T12:51:00.012+02:00

The whole package! Received today from my swap partner Angela...........

Beautiful little fabric purse with an art deco embellishment and diamante clasp

Little fabric cushion/pillow, beautifully embellished with lace, flower, netting and pins, together with THE BROOCH!

The most beautiful art deco perfume bottle brooch with moonstone cabuchon

A swatch of vintage silk fabric from the States

I have recently taken part in a vintage brooch swap organised by Linda at A Swap for All Seasons. This has been the most fun. The swap was not only about the brooch but the packaging and I have today received this parcel from my dear swap partner Angela Weimer
who has blown me away with the work and thought that she has put into everything.
The whole package was wrapped in a lace bag. Inside was the most adorable little hand-made purse covered in pretty fabric, with lace sides and a satin lining , an art deco embellishment and a beautiful diamante clasp. Wrapped inside that was a lace edged hand-made pillow, exquisitely embellished with lace, netting, bead pins, a beautiful flower and THE BROOCH- which is just fabulous. On top of that, she has included a swathe of beautiful vintage silk fabric which she brought back for me from her recent visit to the States. The photos unfortunately dont do everything justice because the colours are just stunning. I have only just discovered as well that Angela stamped and hand coloured with Promarkers the pretty floral pattern on the little purse. So clever and so pretty.

Thank you Angela... you have been a joy to have as a partner. And thank you Linda for organising such a fantastic swap!

Other swap entries can be seen here

HAPPY EASTER EVERYONE

2011-04-23T14:43:00.002+02:00

Twenty years ago my mum died unexpectedly at Easter. The day before she died she had made two little baskets, one each for my daughter and I. They were on the table where she had left them and every Easter I bring mine out from the cabinet where it is kept and it stands by her photograph. Some of the flowers are brown and faded now but the silk daffodils remain vibrant and I treasure this little basket because I know it was made with love.
I wish you all and those you love a very happy Easter.

COLLAGED POSTCARD

2011-04-10T16:52:00.003+02:00

This is for the Art 'n Soul Group swap. The project is to make a collaged postcard from any medium but to include something metal. For this purpose I have used the Tim Holtz birdcage die and run it through an embossing folder. The rest of the collage is a napkin base and paper images with a little addition of stickles and a couple of tiny gems. I have distressed the back of the postcard but think I may collage it slightly too.

SEWING RETREAT

2011-04-03T10:18:00.004+02:00

As part of her 50th birthday year, I'm taking my daughter Rosie to an old rectory in Norfolk tomorrow for a three day sewing workshop/retreat

She doesn't yet know where she is going, but this is a little journal I have made, in a matching box, for her to jot down notes and memories.

Mother and daughter times are to be gathered up and treasured in the heart.

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY ! AND A VERY HAPPY SUNDAY TO EVERYONE !

SMILE

2011-03-28T16:38:00.002+02:00

GIFT BAG, CARD AND GIFT

2011-03-24T11:56:00.003+01:00

This is a little double -pocket gift bag with matching card and fresh lavender sachet.

JOY

2011-03-19T11:09:00.001+01:00

EASTER EGGS BOX/CARD

2011-03-17T16:06:00.007+01:00

I've been playing at making a box/card for little Easter eggs. This is only a prototype and I've just filled it with wine gums (lol)but I am quite pleased that I seem to have got the measurements right. I dont like the faux stitching around the edges and in future will mat the papers. So now I have plenty of time to make some better ones and fill them with eggs for Easter.

THE MOST BEAUTIFUL AND UPLIFTING VIDEO

2011-03-16T16:45:00.005+01:00

None of us can fail to be affected by the devastation that Japan is currently experiencing. The power of Nature can be cruel to the extreme.... transcending all else, shaking people's faith and leaving us asking 'Why?'.
But there is another side to Nature which is beautiful beyond words and which can give us all hope.
If you can spare a few minutes to watch this video you will not be disappointed.

www.andiesisle.com/creation/magnificent.html

If the video does not appear on your screen, click download and you will be transferred to the You-Tube version. Best viewed on full screen. Be sure your speakers are on.

AND ANOTHER!

2011-03-11T18:07:00.003+01:00

This is Joy. I have one further Sugar Nellie image which the very talented Kevin was kind enough to share with me and then maybe it will be time to move on to something different!

THIS IS CONNIE

2011-03-10T10:06:00.002+01:00

Another sweet Sugar Nellie image.... one coloured in blue and the other in aqua. The aqua one I have made into a card, the blue one is not yet finished and will be probably be mounted onto a box.

HOPE

2011-03-06T15:50:00.004+01:00

Still enjoying colouring in my Sugar Nellie images, I've used 'Hope' on a little gift box.

SUGAR NELLIE

2011-03-05T10:30:00.003+01:00

I'd forgotten how much I love the Sugar Nellie stamps until recently when I was inspired by the beautiful cards that both Viv and Kevin had made. So I dug deep into my colouring box and found the stamped images that had sat there for some time awaiting the Pro-marker treatment. This is Faith. Isn't she adorable.

A BREAK FROM THE BOXES!

2011-03-02T16:40:00.005+01:00

Had a very welcome break today from making umpteen boxes to creating a few necessary cards! The first features a digi stamp from Cuddley Buddley, the second I designed myself on the pc and the third is a print from the Jane Netley Mayhew 'Into the Wild' collection.
Must soon leave the paperwork behind and start doing some fabric work which was my aim this year.

THE SAME BUT DIFFERENT!

2011-02-23T14:42:00.003+01:00

Still ploughing through the boxes and gift bags! These two boxes are both quite large (5 1/2" square by 3 1/2" deep) .... the same size but different style.

STARTING EARLY

2011-02-22T12:18:00.004+01:00

I thought I'd start early in readiness for the village fair in June and these are a few of the gift boxes, bags, napkin holders, tidy boxes and notelet sets that I have made so far.

FAN

2011-02-11T13:57:00.002+01:00

Fan for Art 'n Soul Group swap

SHABBY VINTAGE NECKLACE

2011-02-06T16:47:00.006+01:00

Using dyed cotton fabric and an old vintage jewel piece this idea was inspired by Thespoena McLaughlin .

BOX AND LACE PIN CUSHION

2011-01-30T12:32:00.001+01:00

Box and lace pin cushion for my daughter Rosie.

MINI FABRIC QUILT SWAP

2011-01-28T17:59:00.006+01:00

The brief from Linda at Swap for All Seasons was to make a mini fabric quilt (5" x 7") for the partner to whom we were assigned. My partner is Caroline who is very much an 'earth person', interested in anything mystical and her favourite colour is purple. So I tried to combine some of these aspects into this quilt for her. I also added two little twiglets from a tree in my garden, which reflect the tree in the image and also Caroline's love of trees. We were supposed not to add a hanger but I twisted some wire through the top which she can easily remove if needs be.

ALTERED CLOCK

2011-01-21T20:37:00.003+01:00

Clock, altered and collaged, using evolution and Darwin as the theme. Made for my daughter.

ANOTHER ALTERED MIRROR! (FAMILY HERITAGE)

2011-01-13T11:53:00.003+01:00

I made this mirror for my sister using old family photographs. The middle one at the bottom is of my sister taken a few years ago.

ALTERED MIRROR

2011-01-12T10:27:00.002+01:00

An altered mirror made at Christmas for my grand-daughter

TAG BOOK FOR GROUP SWAP

2011-01-09T13:20:00.003+01:00

Happy new year everyone! Having just returned from a post Christmas holiday in Norfolk with my family, my craft room needs a dramatic clear up (the mess being a result of the pre-Christmas rush) and it's time to look to new inspirations and ideas. This is a tag book for the Art 'n Soul group swap. The only criteria was that at least one button should be used on each tag.

SNOW QUEEN!

2010-12-19T11:04:00.003+01:00

Sitting serenely in my back garden, doesn't she look lovely draped in her snowy finery. About 10" of snow here today, so I wont be going anywhere!

SENDING HUGS AT CHRISTMAS

2010-12-10T20:00:00.000+01:00

Myspace Glitter Graphics

TISSUE BOX

2010-11-18T16:54:00.002+01:00

Tissue box made using Scor-Pal, nestabilities, embossing folders and punches

CHRISTMAS MATCHBOX

2010-11-11T16:00:00.003+01:00

Little altered matchbox (for Art 'n Soul Group swap) containing fridge magnet made from Rumicub tile, Tim Holtz altered fragment charm for mobile phone or handbag and a miniature (1" x 1") Christmas card

VENICE

2010-11-08T21:45:00.004+01:00

Somewhere I have never been and would love to go....... Venice. I borrowed this stamp from Maureen when we were on holiday together recently, and have at last put it to use. The background is stamped with a La Blanche swirl and the actual image itself is under acetate which doesn't show up in the photo. The frame is cut from Nestabilities Label 10. I decided to keep the whole card monochrome apart from a little bit of colour in the flower to set it off.

THANK YOU

2010-11-07T15:30:00.000+01:00

Simple 'Thank You' card using one of my new La Blanche stamps

JIGGERY POKERY!

2010-11-04T16:36:00.004+01:00

It's not always easy to think up ideas for 'men' cards and I have had two to make this month. However, with a little bit of 'digital wizardry' I came up with these. The top one is for my son in law Richard and the picture on the tv is of him. The middle photo is the insert to that card. The other one is for my grandson Joe ..........his card is in the style of the 'Terminator' and his photo is on the billboard. Each card is 8 x 8". Just something a little bit different !

THANKSGIVING

2010-10-31T08:37:00.001+01:00

Thanksgiving card for 'Hugz from the Heart' group swap

SIMPLE CARD

2010-10-25T17:52:00.002+02:00

Life has got in the way a bit just lately but I am now catching up and trying to get to grips with making some altered clocks and mirrors for Christmas presents. In the meantime this is just a simple little birthday card for a friend.

RICKY

2010-10-09T16:48:00.005+02:00

My nephew Ricky who died last week. He is so sadly missed by so many.

'You can shed tears that he is gone
Or you can smile because he has lived'

FIRST ONE!

2010-10-07T14:56:00.003+02:00

It's warm and sunny outside..... a beautiful Autumn day.......and I've just made my first Christmas card.

CRAFTING & CAMPING GO HAND IN HAND!

2010-10-04T22:21:00.011+02:00

I've just returned from a lovely caravanning/crafting weekend with Maureen and Wendy and our very patient, very long-suffering husbands!

On Friday we girls went to the Artisan Fair in Leamington Spa. It poured with rain outside, but we had a fantastic time and bought lots of goodies of course and we met up with Netty too. On Saturday we all went to Oxford for the day; on Sunday the boys went to a Transport Museum and then for a pub lunch and we went to a tea shop and antiques centre called the Quiet Woman.... which we thought very appropriate because we are, of course, very quiet ladies lol!

In between, we crafted........ and crafted................ and then crafted some more:-

GETTING READY TO CRAFT
Ready, steady.... just a quick drink..... and then GO!

ALL CRAFTED OUT!!

The little box-bags have been beautifully collaged, the tea drunk, the biscuits eaten and the energy sapped! Not very complimentary photos of Wendy and Maureen though..... sorry girls! The little brushes at the front of the table are mine where I was sitting. We all bought a set at Artisan when we were inspired by a demo from the owner of Inkylicious who was showing how to use them instead of CutnDry to apply Distress Inks. I was trying them out with fantastic results.

TIME TO SAY GOODBYE!

Looking more refreshed and saying goodbye after a lovely weekend. Thank you girls x

HENRY (born 24th September)

2010-09-26T11:03:00.003+02:00

This is HENRY, just a few moments old, born on Friday evening, the first grandchild for my dear friends Jenny and Paul.

Above is a little hanger that I made for him.

LOVE IS IN THE AIR - Anniversary Card

2010-09-24T22:37:00.003+02:00

Quick and easy anniversary card using an image from the late Suzee Que

MAN CARD !

2010-09-22T10:03:00.003+02:00

For my brother-in-law - I'm not quite sure if this is a leopard or a cheetah but he certainly is handsome (a bit like the recipient!)

99 YEARS OLD TODAY

2010-09-20T10:42:00.002+02:00

This is my beautiful Dad who is 99 years old today and these photos were taken during a little family party we held for him yesterday. In the top photo he is with my eldest grand-daughter Sammi. He has lost his sight but still retains his amazing sense of humour and his strong tenor voice.

He is a total inspiration to us all and we are very privileged to have him still with us.

We love you dearly Dad. HAPPY BIRTHDAY!! And here's to the BIG one next year !!

ANOTHER NEW BABY!

2010-09-13T16:26:00.003+02:00

It's a bit like the buses at the moment..... you don't see one for ages and then three come along at the same time (babies, that is!) This card is for the latest one. I don't think there are any more on the horizon, but I'm quite happy to be surprised!

PHOTO ALBUM

2010-09-10T11:44:00.005+02:00

Photo album made for a friend's anniversary. The covers were made from grungeboard which I distressed to a faux leather effect with Distress Inks. Each inside page was edged with gold and stamped with a large swirl. I added photo corners to take the standard 4 x 6" photos and also a little journal tag on each page so that they could make their own notes.

ALTERED BEER MAT FOR ART 'n SOUL GROUP

2010-09-06T22:37:00.003+02:00

The project for this month's Art 'n Soul Group is to alter a beer mat......the theme being Autumn.

I have used fresh leaves and dipped them in UTEE....... then collaged them with the paper images onto the coaster. I then covered it all with a sheet of acetate and mounted it on burlap and corrugated cardboard, finally tying and hanging with raffia.

EMERY BOARD POUCHES

2010-08-28T08:49:00.002+02:00

I made these two simple little emery board cases (holds 4 boards) in my own style from the template on Sherry's blog. Made from card, covered in backing paper, collaged and embellished. Voila... easy, peasy!

FAMILY HERITAGE FABRIC JOURNAL

2010-08-23T21:58:00.003+02:00

First two pages of my family heritage fabric journal. This is my mum at the age of approximately 4 years old

TISSUE BOX

2010-08-22T21:25:00.006+02:00

I painted the box with Julia Andrus Blue Patina paint and then finely crackle-glazed it. I then aged the crackle-glaze with Distress inks before adding panels of different collage to each side. The panels are set on mount board so they are slightly raised.

NEW BABY and another SWEET PEA

2010-08-02T11:53:00.003+02:00

New baby card for a friend and the sweet pea card just because I like the image!

ALTERED MIRROR

2010-07-30T11:03:00.004+02:00

Altered mirror, collaged and stamped. The edges have been crackle glazed.

I DIDN'T JUST LIE IN THE SUN.........................

2010-07-26T13:14:00.005+02:00

We were very lucky again with the weather last week as we holidayed in our caravan in Norfolk so I was tempted to literally do nothing. However, as usual I taken most of my craft room with me so I managed to make a few cards. The top card is 8 x 8" and was made using a Sweet Pea stamp and the 2nd and bottom ones are both 6 x 6" using another Sweet Pea stamp and, of course, Tilda from Magnolia Stamps. All were coloured with Pro-markers and the top two were high-lighted with Stickles. I had a tremendous urge to do some knitting though so we trawled around to discover a wool shop to satisfy my needs and I knitted the back of a jumper. All I have to do now is find the will power to actually finish it!

BOOKMARK CARD

2010-07-13T11:41:00.001+02:00

Bookmark card for my brother

ISN'T NATURE WONDERFUL

2010-07-11T17:55:00.004+02:00

My garden on this lovely sunny July afternoon is buzzing with bees and alive with butterflies, especially around the lavender which is beautiful this year. Suzie is just taking it easy!

FISH AND OWLS!

2010-07-08T19:49:00.005+02:00

For a boy who likes fishing! (apologies for the glare on the glossy paper)

For a lady who likes owls!

100 YEARS OLD AND BEAUTIFUL WITH IT !!

2010-07-05T12:20:00.003+02:00

This is Nen, our friend and neighbour who celebrated her 100th birthday yesterday and is pictured here holding her card from the Queen. We were privileged to join Nen and her family and friends in a special birthday lunch. She is an incredible lady, totally independent, an avid political campaigner, and always looking beautiful even when digging her garden..... YES! digging her garden!! She wanted to go up in a hot air balloon for her birthday but apparently it is not allowed for people over a certain age incase the landing is bumpy. On her 90th birthday, she flew a glider plane! When I grow up, I want to be like Nen! Congratulations dear lady and stay healthy and beautiful xx

TRYING OUT MY NEW FOLDER

2010-07-03T22:42:00.003+02:00

I've finally received my new cut/embossing folder which has been on pre-order from the States for two months. It is large (5 1/2" x 7 1/2") and cuts the aperture as well as embossing the frame. I have laid the images under acetate. Worth waiting for I think.